Dental Aligner Occlusal Loading for Controlled Intercuspation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthodontic appliances, particularly transparent shell appliances, struggle to effectively utilize bite forces for tooth movement due to uncontrolled occlusal forces and intercuspation, which can lead to uncomfortable and inefficient tooth alignment, especially in patients with different skeletal structures.
Innovation Solution
The development of dental aligners with modified occlusal surfaces that selectively intercuspate with the opposing jaw, utilizing bite forces to enhance tooth movement by applying controlled forces through features such as bubbles and protrusions to redirect and amplify forces in desired directions, complementing other orthodontic forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If transparent shell appliances are designed to apply large tooth-moving forces through increased elasticity and cavity displacement, then tooth-moving force is improved, but the appliance becomes difficult or uncomfortable to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The appliance divides the occlusal surface into multiple independent regions with different degrees of intercuspation. Each region can be selectively engaged to provide controlled tooth-moving forces in specific areas while maintaining comfort in other regions. This segmentation allows the appliance to apply force where needed without compromising overall wearability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the occlusal surface are designed with varying degrees of intercuspation and force application. Some areas have enhanced intercuspation for force generation, while other areas maintain smoother surfaces for comfort. This local differentiation enables the appliance to provide strong tooth-moving forces in specific locations while remaining comfortable to wear overall.
2Force
If the appliance utilizes bite force through intercuspation, then tooth-moving force is improved, but occlusal forces become uncontrolled and cause undesirable loading on opposing teeth
Solution Approach 1:
The appliance incorporates sensors or detection mechanisms that monitor occlusal forces and intercuspation status in real-time. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts the degree of intercuspation or force application to maintain optimal tooth-moving forces while preventing excessive loading on opposing teeth. This closed-loop control ensures safe and effective force utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The appliance dynamically adjusts parameters such as the degree of intercuspation, contact pressure, and force distribution based on real-time conditions. By modulating these parameters, the system optimizes tooth-moving force generation while preventing harmful loading patterns on opposing teeth, adapting to individual patient needs and occlusal conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional orthodontic treatment is applied to patients with brachyocephalic skeletal structures, then treatment is attempted, but tooth movement is impeded by high bite forces and muscle orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The appliance employs dynamic adjustment mechanisms that adapt to the unique skeletal structure and bite force characteristics of brachyocephalic patients. The system can modify intercuspation levels, force application timing, and magnitude in response to the patient's specific anatomical features and muscle orientation, enabling effective treatment despite high bite forces that would impede traditional fixed appliance therapy.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The aligners effectively leverage bite forces to enhance tooth movement, providing controlled and efficient alignment by redirecting and amplifying forces, improving treatment efficacy and patient comfort by mimicking the final intercuspation position even in early stages.
Implementation Method 1
the amount of tooth-moving force applied by a transparent shell appliance may depend on the elasticity of the appliance shell and the amount of displacement of a tooth-moving cavity
Implementation Method 2
The aligners effectively leverage bite forces to enhance tooth movement, providing controlled and efficient alignment by redirecting and amplifying forces
Data Source
AI summary
Dental aligners and systems for producing controlled tooth-moving forces. A dental aligner may include a first tooth receiving cavity with a wall configured to resiliently apply a first force to a first tooth in accordance with a treatment plan. The first tooth receiving cavity may include an occlusal inner surface forming a first configuration of cusps and nadirs shaped to conform to an occlusal surface of the first tooth, and an occlusal outer surface forming a second configuration of cusps and nadirs. One or more occlusal contact features protruding from the outer occlusal surface may redirect a bite force on the first tooth that is produced by a person wearing the dental aligner toward a same or a complementary direction as the first force in accordance with the treatment.